Yes, I said feral chickens

I have lived next door to Ray for 28 years. I have made him my uncle of sorts. He is rugged man who has worked hard as a carpenter all his life. I would consider him a man's man; big, strong, and possessing no fear of man nor beast. Although he has never even raised his voice to me, I would never dream of saying or doing anything disrespectful toward him. Number one, I love him, and number two, I feel quite sure he would wallop me good! However, there is one thing about Ray I only recently found out. He has a soft spot of chickens. I have caught him making sure the eggs are safe, throwing out feed in the winter, and such things. Let me make one thing clear, they are not HIS chickens.

We have a growing number of Mexicans in our neighborhood. Mexicans like chickens, but much like their American brethren, they let their pet population get out of control. Admittedly, I have never heard of a spay/neuter clinic for chickens, but it's only 2008. Another interesting observation is that American chickens and Mexican chickens act different (which reminds me, cats in Peurto Rico don't answer to "kitty, kitty"-I was shocked. Guess I figured all cats spoke Kitty). Mexican chickens seem to be more evolved. The roosters peacefully coexist, they can fly, and perch in trees. No joke, I see if every day-and they don't seem the least bit interested in assimilating. But I digress.

Last Monday, Ray displayed his chicken affection in an act of valor I shall not soon forget. As I walked out to get in my car, I noticed that Zeus, Ray's grandson's, Lil Russel (I need to stop calling him that as he is 23), Pit Bull Terrier was loose. No biggie, he was just sniffing around acting all dogie like. About that time, Ray stepped around the side of the house, and that's when all H-E-double hockey sticks broke out. As Ray stepped around the side of the house, Zeus spotted the chickens and takes off after them. So Ray takes off after Zeus. Get a VISUAL here. Ray is chasing Zeus, Zeus is chasing chickens, and about 45 chickens in various stages of life, are clucking in panic, running, flying into trees, flying into my fence, jumping, doing circles in some apparent ploy to confuse Zeus. This does not just end in a few seconds--nope, this convoy made several trips around the house. As a matter of fact, as I pulled out of my drive, one of the lead chickens had this ridiculous looking conga line headed out back.

I have to be honest...I was rooting for Zeus.

Happy

This is not a happy dog

but this is a happy child








And this makes me the happiest person in the world!

The newest reason not to go to bed

Bailey is in the "I don't want to go to bed" phase of her life. She has a multitude of excuses as to why she can't go to bed. Last night was, "I am scared in here by myself", which is a complete falsehood. I explained to her that Jesus was always with her, and she had nothing to fear. I kissed her and shut the door.

Half an hour later, her door opens. As I hear her coming down the hall, I asked, "Bailey, why are you out of bed?". She looked me square in the eye, hands on hips, and in a very matter of fact tone stated, "Mommy, Jesus went home".

Bailey Shea Sayne

What did she say...

A few day ago, Bailey and I where at the store. Seeing her reflection in the window, she commented, "I am so fat". I was totally stunned. She is all of 35 pounds, and she is FOUR! She has been in a "public" daycare for all of 2 weeks, and she is already concerned about how she looks. Don't misunderstand, I am not blaming daycare, just pointing out that her exposure to the other little girls and boys had been very limited up to this time. And although I don't believe they actually comprehend what they are talking about, it disturbs me none the less. Which of course brings me to my guilt (which I have found is the mainstay emotion for moms).

What have I been teaching her. I have always told her very positive things about herself. So why the guilt? Well, we all know children learn from what they see and hear, not what you tell them. So what has she seen and heard...me. Me and my negative self talk about my own body. I am fat, I am flat chested, my pores are too big, my butt is to big, my toes are ugly. Me trying every fad diet that makes it's way into a magazine or news show. Me always on the search for the latest in wrinkle reduction creams. She has never seen or heard me be happy and satisfied with my outward appearance.

If I, the same sex parent, am modeling damaging body image behaviors, then I should expect no less from my child. I want her to be healthy and active. I want her to be more concerned with who she is and what she contributes to the world than how she looks; and actually, I would like the same for myself.

Say a prayer for me, I have a lot to unlearn before I can properly teach.